Wednesday, March 28, 2012

BROCCOLI AND CHOCOLATE

I used to watch women with their children. Why do they have that exhausted, frustrated look on their face?  Why are they always telling their children no?  Why do they let their children run crazy like that?  Don't they know that bag of chips is not good for their little bodies?  I wondered. I thought. Are they enjoying motherhoood? Shouldnt they be happier?? Pull it together!! Pay attention to your child!! 

I know I will always pay attention to my children. They are the most important thing above all else.
uh huh. It will be perfect when it is my time. 

Recently I was on an important phone call. My youngest wants breakfast.

"Mommy, I'm hungry." I mouth to her "What would you like?" she thinks.  "um, chocolate"  "no, chocolate is after you eat your broccoli." I start to show her various other choices. She jumps up and down and throws herself on the floor screaming.

I walk away.

She follows.

"mommy, I'm hungry." I spin around to face her. she wants mac n cheese. no. lollipop. no. pirate booty. no. another tantrum.  I can't hear the person I am talking to.  I have to apologize for my screaming child. for my inability to control my child.  for my lack of mothering skills.  

I walk away.

she follows. more screaming. more kicking. more throwing herself to the floor.

I go into my closet. I'm straining to hear above the screaming pile of 3 year old on my bathroom floor.

"I'm sorry. I have to call you back"
wait on hold for another half hour. weed thru 95 call representatives to finally get the one who can actually help me....

deep breath.

I walk out of my closet.

She is still laying on the floor. exhausted. pouty face. looking at me like her world is over.

"mommy..."

uh huh.

"I just wanted to tell you... how about I eat broccoli and then have chocolate?"

for breakfast!?!?!?

fine broccoli and chocolate for breakfast

yep. it will be perfect when I have children.